Tucked within the storied enclave of Belle Haven in Greenwich, Connecticut, a grand Victorian estate has undergone a transformation that feels less like a renovation and more like a reawakening. With every room, every finish, and every curated detail, this historic residence tells a new story—one of thoughtful design, deep collaboration, and a profound respect for both heritage and modern life.

Designer Amy Zolin, founder of Clarity Home Interiors, partnered once again with a longtime client to reimagine this home from the inside out. Their shared history—having completed several residences together, including an award-winning home in Darien—infused the project with trust and creative freedom. That dynamic resulted in an interior vision that is both refined and expressive, yet deeply personal.

From the outset, Zolin and architect Lisa Mockler approached the project with a reverence for the estate’s original architecture. Though the home underwent a full gut renovation, its character and historic soul remained at the forefront. Original proportions and sightlines were carefully preserved, even as walls were opened and finishes modernized. Working with builder Quinndico Custom Home Builders and landscape architect Kristin Andronowitz, the team brought the residence into the present while allowing it to remain beautifully rooted in the past.

“We’ve worked with this client on multiple homes over the years, and that level of trust allows for something special to unfold. The result isn’t just beautiful—it’s deeply personal.”

Each room in the home reads like its own carefully composed chapter. The entry makes a statement with hand-painted grasscloth in a Peter Dunham floral motif, setting a tone of layered elegance. It leads to the library, enveloped in high-gloss lacquered blue walls by Fine Paints of Europe—an enveloping space both dramatic and serene. Throughout the home, sculptural lighting fixtures from Urban Electric punctuate each room with character, while antique pieces and tailored upholstery add quiet gravitas.

The living room basks in natural light, with artisan-painted walls by Floe Decor providing a soft, serene backdrop. A central hall table offers both visual grounding and a subtle invitation for gathering—one of many ways this home is designed for both beauty and connection. Custom millwork, seagrass window shades, and architectural paneling all work in harmony to echo the home’s original design language, while bespoke furnishings add modern sophistication.

Coastal influences gently shape the palette. Subtle shades of ocean blue, sandy taupe, raffia, and linen evoke Greenwich’s shoreline without veering into cliché. Zolin’s background—both Southern and East Coast—lends a style sensibility that’s layered, livable, and nuanced. Patterns are handled with precision: bold prints balanced by smaller motifs, rich textures softened by light and space. The effect is a home that feels crisp and curated, yet warm and relaxed.

Nowhere is that more apparent than in the jewel-box powder room. Wrapped in custom marbled wallpaper and accented with a brass console sink, the space is a moment of unexpected luxury—small in scale but grand in effect. In contrast, the family room and breakfast nook brim with color, movement, and joy, thanks to a playful mix of prints and tactile layers. Handwoven rugs in raffia and wool anchor the home with natural texture underfoot, providing a foundation for daily living with a sense of grace.

Art plays a powerful, unifying role. While many homes treat art as a finishing touch, here it serves as a guidepost, reflecting the client’s extensive collection and infusing each room with meaning. From photography that recalls the coastal setting to contemporary works that add vibrancy and edge, the art becomes part of the architecture itself.

“A home with clarity isn’t just visually harmonious—it’s a place that feels like you belong, where design serves your life, not the other way around.”

Throughout the design, it’s the unexpected touches that make the biggest impact: a vintage table with sculptural legs, a custom light fixture with a wink of whimsy, a mirror framed in something just a bit offbeat. These moments inject soul and prevent the interiors from ever feeling overly formal. “Luxury doesn’t have to be serious,” Zolin often says—and in this home, it never is.

Above all, this is a residence designed for living. It is not merely beautiful—it is intentional. “Clarity,” as Zolin defines it, “means living with purpose. It’s about surrounding yourself with what matters: beauty, comfort, ease, and connection.” In this Belle Haven home, that philosophy finds its most elegant expression to date.

Architect: Mockler Taylor Architects Builder: Quinndico Custom Home Builders Landscape Architect: Kristin Andronowitz Photography: Davidson McCulloh